Book Review - Happy Homemade Sew Chic

Tuesday, January 14, 2014

 

After my previous two book reviews (here and here), I was contacted by Tuttle Publishing about doing a book review for Happy Homemade: Sew Chic: 20 Simple Everyday Designs (affiliate link). I jumped at the chance even though I rarely ever sew adult clothing. Happy Homemade Sew Chic is one of two women’s clothing Japanese sewing books by Yoshiko Tsukiori translated to English.


Happy Homemade Sew Chic


The designs are simply and flowing. I think this jacket will be next on my list of items to sew.

Happy Homemade Sew Chic

This tunic with lace trim would be great with leggings and boots.


Happy Homemade Sew Chic


I think I would omit the sleeve ruffles if I made this top for a summery look.


Happy Homemade Sew Chic


This cardigan is what a choose to sew up. The pleat details get lost in this photograph.


Happy Homemade Sew Chic


The line drawing gives you a better idea of the design. As you can see, the sewing instructions are simplistic, but straight forward. The diagrams are wonderful visual aids. My favorite thing about sewing Japanese patterns is the detail they show in their diagrams.


Happy Homemade Sew Chic


I made this cardigan with a coral interlock knit. The fit is a tad generous, but the style is nice and casual.


Happy Homemade Sew Chic cardigan


Many of the pattern pieces overlap for various patterns. The sleeve below fits with 7 different styles.


Happy Homemade Sew Chic
One item to note is the length is the same for all sizes. In other words, make sure you verify the length you need before you cut your fabric.
Happy Homemade Sew Chic


These are the basic measurements provided for the sizes provided.


Happy Homemade Sew Chic


This would be a great book for a confident beginner. The instructions are very basic, so there isn’t a lot of handholding. The styles are simple without too many pattern pieces.


I received the book, Happy Homemade Sew Chic for free from Tuttle Publishing. All opinions provided are my own. I will only recommend products that I would use personally and are good for my readers.

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